November 1999 from the BeppoSAX Calendar

The BeppoSAX LECS+MECS best fit spectrum of the Circinus Galaxy
(plot to the left) shows a flat continuum and very strong iron emission.
The extrapolation of this 0.1-10 keV spectrum to higher energies (PDS data)
shows a further component, likely due to nuclear radiation transmitted trough
a thick (~4x1024 cm-2) absorber. Independent evidence
of this absorber is shown on the right image taken in the near infrared
(H-K color): the yellow-white lane is thought to trace a dusty-gaseous
bar that drives gas into the nuclear region causing the absorption inferred
from the X-rays.
Courtesy of G Matt, III University, Rome, Italyand R. Maiolino,
Arcetri Observatory, Florence, Italy